Dillon Powers played with the Rapids’ first team at training Thursday, but he continues to suffer concussion symptoms nearly three weeks after colliding heads with Seattle’s Zach Scott during a game.

“It’s not getting worse, which is good,” said Powers, one of two Rapids players atop the shortlist of MLS rookie of the year candidates, with Deshorn Brown.

Powers said his symptoms include a nagging pressure, headaches, nausea and a sensitivity to light — all common side affects after a concussion. They are some of the same symptoms that forced former Rapids captain Pablo Mastroeni to miss much of the 2012 season.

Mastroeni followed many of the MLS-imposed protocols required to return from a concussion. So will Powers, who said he might call on Mastroeni for advice.

“I considered it,” said Powers, a midfielder with 5 goals and 6 assists this season. “I still might (call him).”

With the MLS playoffs looming, Powers is in a rush to return to form — but only if his health allows. The Rapids travel to face Vancouver on Sunday in their regular-season finale. The playoffs could start for the Rapids as soon as Wednesday.

“I’m able to do most everything except heading,” Powers said. “If I can (return against Vancouver), I’d really like to. I don’t want to be cold going into the playoffs. That’s the goal.”

Colorado coach Oscar Parjea said that Sunday’s game could be a crucial point for Powers the rest of the way. If Powers is unable to travel to Vancouver, he’s unlikely to play in a possible playoff game next week, Pareja said.

“I’m gonna wait until he’s healthy. But he needs to know, this is the week,” Pareja said. “If he’s ready, he’s ready. But if not, then it’s doubtful he’ll be part of the team.

“The playoffs are next week. And when you have a player who has been separated from the group during training, it’s hard,” Pareja said. “You lose not just the momentum, but the fitness. With him, it’s not been like that yet. But if he keeps going, it will be hard to catch up with the group.”

Pareja added:

“I would like to have him with the group, at least, on the weekend. Because Wednesday is very close and you would like the players who are engaged at the moment. It will be really doubtful for him on Wednesday if he’s not there on the weekend.”

Veteran midfielder Vicente Sanchez also enters the final weekend of the regular season with an injury, his a sprained shoulder. Sanchez said it was “very sore” on Thursday after training.

Pareja said it’s possible that Powers, Sanchez and a defender, either Marvell Wynne or Drew Moor, could stay out of Sunday’s lineup.

Daniel was first introduced to soccer at age 6 while living in Düsseldorf, West Germany. He played youth soccer in West Germany until age 9, and then in Seattle, where he is originally from. He works as the day breaking news editor and also contributes on the Rapids beat.